Legal Business

Market comment: A year of living dangerously

‘There isn’t much to differentiate between law firms. It is predominantly relationship-based, not on massive differentials in service.’

Chris Newby, AIG

Global law firm leaders look back over a turbulent 12 months to cite the big trends shaping the legal industry

SOFT TARGETS

‘The impact of changes in sterling FX rates has made a number of UK targets more attractive to overseas buyers. It’s no coincidence there has been an increase in M&A with UK targets. Interestingly, UK outbound investment has also been strong in recent months and M&A activity in Western Europe is set to continue at a high level for the second half of this year.’

Andrew Ballheimer, global managing partner, Allen & Overy